Concrete is one of the most popular materials for driveways and it can look good in a variety of finishes. Its strength and durability make it a long-term investment, but the price can vary depending on the type of concrete used.
Plain gray concrete may not win any curb appeal contests, but it’s pragmatic and budget-friendly. Other options include stained or stenciled concrete.
Plain Gray
Your driveway is a key feature that can increase your curb appeal and enhance your home’s value. It’s also one of the first things guests see when they arrive. Whether you want to repair your old one or change the look, a Geelong, VIC, AU driveway installation and maintenance professional can help.
A plain gray concrete driveway may lack unique curb appeal, but it’s a practical choice that’s inexpensive and easy to maintain. Staining offers more design options, but comes with a hefty price tag.
A driveway contractor’s duties include excavating the site, grading and leveling the sub-base, creating and installing concrete forms, adding rebar for reinforcement, placing expansion joints and pouring the wet concrete. They can also add decorative elements like coloured concrete or stencils.
Staining
Concrete is a popular choice for driveways because it’s strong, hard-wearing and can be molded into attractive designs. It’s also relatively affordable compared to other materials like asphalt and gravel. It also holds up well to oil and chemical spills and tyre marks.
Aggregate concrete, which is regular concrete mixed with a range of different types of aggregate, offers a nuanced look and is more durable than plain gray concrete. However, it’s important to get the correct ratio of aggregate in the mix or it could be too weak and crumble over time.
Another option is polished concrete, which looks sleek and attractive but can be expensive. This process involves grinding the concrete and requires professional equipment and trucks. It can be difficult to maintain, so sealing is highly recommended.
Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate concrete is a great way to show off your personality and add texture and color to your driveway. It is an attractive alternative to standard poured concrete and can be customized to match your home and landscape design.
Unlike regular broom finished concrete, exposed aggregate will not show tyre marks and is very durable. It is also non-slip, so it’s a good choice for walkways and driveways around pools.
Although exposed aggregate is more expensive than pavers, it is a good alternative to traditional concrete for patios and walkways. It looks great and requires little maintenance. It can also withstand heavier loads than pavers. However, it may not look as clean as a paver surface. This is because it tends to trap dirt and weeds between the stones.
Stenciled
Concrete driveways no longer need to be bland and lifeless. Many homeowners and business owners choose to spruce up their concrete surfaces with stenciling, staining and other decorative options. These improvements not only add to the curb appeal of the property but also boost the value of the home and commercial property.
Stenciling with cementitious toppings produces a very different look than sandblasting. A stencil is placed over the fresh concrete and a cementitious overlay in a contrasting color is spray- or troweled over the stencil. The resulting surface has the structural integrity of concrete but the attractive appearance of tile, brick or stone.
Experts recommend that a contractor use a stencil with an adhesive backing for spray-applied applications to avoid stencil movement and compromise sealer performance. If the design requires more than one stencil, the second one should overlap the first at a grout line to keep the pattern uniform.
Pavers
A driveway is an important part of a home’s exterior design and landscaping. Driveways are not only used for parking cars and trucks, but they can also enhance the curb appeal of a home and increase its value. While a concrete or asphalt driveway is the most popular choice, there are many options available to homeowners.
Concrete pavers are a popular choice for driveways and can be customised to fit the style of your home. They are available in a range of colours, and can be stamped or stenciled with a pattern.
Stone pavers are another option for backyards and outdoor areas. They look natural, and the colour and texture variations add to their beauty. These stones are often used for walkways, garden paths and alfresco areas.
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